In Veritate Lux : Jurnal Ilmu Kateketik Pastoral Teologi, Pendidikan, Antropologi, dan Budaya

REFLEKSI TEOLOGIS TERHADAP PENGARUH MEDIA SOSIAL BAGI IMAN ANAK SMAK BHAKTI LUHUR MALANG

alan ketmoen — 2026-08-31

This study aims to provide a theological reflection on the influence of social media on the faith development of students at SMAK Bhakti Luhur Malang within the Church’s concern for youth as the future of the Church. Social media has become a dominant space shaping students’ lifestyles, ways of thinking, and social relationships. The research uses a descriptive qualitative approach based on field experience through a one-year practical work report, employing direct observation and critical reflection on students’ faith practices. The findings reveal that the intensity of social media use affects students’ declining participation in spiritual activities, reduced depth of personal faith reflection, and the emergence of digital individualism. Despite ongoing guidance from religious sisters, the influence of social media remains a significant challenge. Theologically, this condition calls the Church to develop contextual, dialogical, and relevant catechetical approaches within digital culture. This study contributes to the development of adaptive pastoral theology and provides a foundation for more effective, contextual, and sustainable youth faith formation strategies in today’s digital era.

KETEGANGAN SOSIAL SEBAGAI TANDA ZAMAN: REFLEKSI TEOLOGI PASTORAL ATAS POLEMIK PROGRAM MAKAN BERGIZI GRATIS DI INDONESIA

Mira Titania — 2026-08-31

The Free Nutritious Meal Program (Program Makan Bergizi Gratis/MBG) initiated by the Indonesian government aims to improve the nutritional quality of society, particularly among school children. However, the implementation of this program has generated various social controversies, including issues related to food quality, cases of food poisoning, and disparities in welfare between program staff and honorary teachers. This situation reflects the emergence of social tensions within society that can be interpreted as “signs of the times” from the perspective of pastoral theology.

This study aims to analyze the controversies surrounding the MBG Program through a pastoral theological approach using the pastoral circle method, which consists of the stages of see, judge, and act. The study employs a qualitative approach through literature review of Church documents, Catholic social teachings, and relevant scholarly studies. The findings indicate that the controversies surrounding the MBG Program are not merely related to technical aspects of public policy, but also involve dimensions of social justice, human dignity, solidarity, and moral responsibility in the management of social welfare. In light of Catholic social teaching, particularly Fratelli Tutti and Evangelii Gaudium, this phenomenon becomes a pastoral call for the Church to be prophetically present in promoting social justice and the common good. Therefore, the social tensions that arise may become a space for theological reflection as well as an opportunity to strengthen social solidarity within society.

CREATIO EX NIHILO DALAM TEOLOGI PENCIPTAAN: REFLEKSI TEOLOGIS TERHADAP RELASI ALLAH, MANUSIA, DAN ALAM

Roida Sihombing — 2026-08-31

The doctrine of creatio ex nihilo is a fundamental teaching in Christian theology which affirms that God created all things out of nothing. This doctrine not only explains the metaphysical origin of the world but also carries important theological implications for understanding the relationship between God, humanity, and nature.

This study aims to reexamine the doctrine of creatio ex nihilo within the framework of the theology of creation by emphasizing the relationship between God, human beings, and the natural world, as well as its implications for human responsibility toward creation. The research employs a qualitative approach using a library research method. The data sources include the Holy Scriptures, official Church documents, and works of classical and contemporary theologians that discuss the theology of creation. The analysis is conducted through a systematic theological approach using a critical and reflective theological analysis. The findings show that the doctrine of creatio ex nihilo affirms the ontological dependence of all creation on God as the source of being. This understanding highlights that the world possesses intrinsic value because it originates from God and therefore should not be treated merely as an object of exploitation. Within the framework of the theology of creation, human beings, as imago Dei, hold a unique position and bear moral responsibility to care for and preserve the integrity of creation. Therefore, the theological reflection on creatio ex nihilo provides an important foundation for the development of ecological ethics in Christian faith and enriches the understanding of the relationship between God, humanity, and the whole of creation in the context of the modern world.

ANALISIS YURIDIS DAN TEOLOGIS TERHADAP KEKELIRUAN SIFAT HAKIKI PERKAWINAN DALAM PERSPEKTIF HUKUM KANONIK

Yanto Sandy Tjang — 2026-08-31

The study examines the theological and canonical dynamics underlying the validity of marriage within the Catholic tradition, focusing on the distinction between error and simulatio in annulment proceedings. Using qualitative methods, literature review, normative analysis of the Code of Canon Law, and moral-sacramental theology, it argues that invalidity is not merely juridical but rooted in the interior intentionality shaping matrimonial consent. Error refers to cognitive misunderstanding that may influence the will, while simulatio denotes deliberate exclusion of an essential element. Each has distinct implications for tribunal judgments in evidence and canonical consequences. The study further emphasizes that a proper understanding of freedom, will, and truth in human action is essential for evaluating matrimonial consent. An integrative approach between canon law and sacramental theology prevents annulment procedures from becoming purely administrative, grounding them instead in the Church’s anthropological and ecclesiological vision. The findings contribute to marriage theology and offer a sharper analytical framework for tribunal practitioners in adjudicating cases with justice, pastoral sensitivity, and theological depth.

PERILAKU OVERPROTEKTIF ORANG TUA DAN PENYESUAIAN DIRI REMAJA: STUDI KUALITATIF DALAM PERSPEKTIF HUKUM KEEMPAT DEKALOG

Leonardus Sina Werang Leonardus — 2026-08-31

Adolescent adjustment is a critical aspect of psychosocial development that is strongly influenced by parenting practices. One parenting style that may hinder this developmental process is overprotective parenting, which restricts adolescents' opportunities to develop independence and autonomy. This study aims to explore students' experiences of parental overprotective behavior, examine its implications for adolescent adjustment, and interpret these experiences from the perspective of the Fourth Commandment. A qualitative case study design was employed involving students of SMA Negeri 1 Nubatukan, NTT. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document analysis and were analyzed thematically using source and method triangulation to enhance the credibility of the findings. The analysis identified five major themes: excessive parental control, limited opportunities for developing independence, increased anxiety and low self-confidence, difficulties in social adjustment, and the importance of religious values in fostering balanced family relationships. The findings indicate that excessive parental protection, although motivated by parental care and concern, may impede adolescents' autonomy and adjustment. From the perspective of the Fourth Commandment, the parent–child relationship is understood as a moral responsibility that requires a balance between honoring parents, providing loving guidance, and allowing adolescents sufficient freedom to mature into responsible and independent individuals.

DOKTRIN KESELAMATAN DALAM PANDANGAN GEREJA KATOLIK DAN PROTESTAN: ANALISIS TEOLOGIS KOMPARATIF

Fanny Indarto — 2026-08-31

The study examines the doctrine of salvation from the perspectives of the Catholic and Protestant Churches through a theological-comparative analysis grounded in Scripture, tradition, and the historical development of theology. Employing a qualitative, library-based research approach, it highlights both the fundamental differences and the points of convergence between the two traditions, particularly concerning the relationship among faith, grace, and works in the process of salvation. Catholic theology emphasizes salvation as a participatory process involving divine grace, human freedom, and mediation through the sacraments and the life of the Church. In contrast, Protestant theology, especially within the Reformation tradition, affirms the principles of sola gratia and sola fide, understanding salvation as a gift of God received through faith apart from human effort. Despite differing theological emphases, both traditions acknowledge that salvation originates from the initiative of God’s love in Christ. The study demonstrates that ecumenical dialogue fosters a more integrative understanding and contributes to a more holistic interpretation of salvation within contemporary Christianity.